Francesco Pileri Developing An Electric Moto3 Racer

A fixture in the Grand Prix paddock for more than 40 years, Francesco Pileri helped many of the sport’s legends get their start. Riders who have worked with Pileri include the likes of Angel Nieto, Fausto Gresini, Paolo Casoli, Loris Capirossi, and Alex Barros, just to name a few.

These days, according to Italian publication MotoSprint, Pileri is looking to forge the next generation of Grand Prix racing; except this time he’s turning his attention to the machine rather than the rider. It’s being reported that Pileri is developing an electric Moto3 racer to take part in a new electric Moto3 class in both the CEV and CIV championships as early as 2018 (the lead photo above is a rendering of what the bike would look like). Details about the motorcycle haven’t been released yet, but Pileri says the machine will make its official debut in August, where we expect to know more. Pileri’s partners in the project are expected to be unveiled at that time, too.

While not confirmed, MotoSprint reports indicate Pileri is partnering with Indian scooter, motorcycle and moped manufacturer, Indian Kinetic, as well as Majestic Auto Limited, an Indian manufacturer of components for both two and four wheels. Crucially, Majestic Auto Limited also produces electric motors. Pileri is also in talks with a third partner, SWM, another motorcycle manufacturer, to produce the Moto3 racers in the former Husqvarna plant in Varese, Italy. Only 50 of the electric Moto3 bikes will be produced, with half going to the CEV championship and the rest going to CIV.

Keep it here, as we’ll post more information about the electric Pileri Moto3 as it emerges.